On January 10, 2026, Indonesia became the first country to temporarily block access to Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI under Elon Musk’s wing. The move comes after authorities discovered that Grok’s image generator had produced sexualized and non-consensual deepfake images, including depictions of scantily clad minors.
Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister, Meutya Hafid, said the practice of non-consensual sexual deepfakes is “a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space.” The ministry has summoned representatives from X to discuss how to prevent further abuse.
This week, xAI announced it would limit image generation and editing features to paying subscribers while it strengthens its safety protocols. Musk took to X to warn that anyone using Grok to produce illegal content would face consequences similar to uploading forbidden material online.
The government’s decision reflects Indonesia’s strict regulations against obscene online content. With the world’s largest Muslim population, the country has little tolerance for tools that enable the creation or spread of sexualized imagery without consent. 🚫🤖
As xAI works on tighter safeguards, Indonesia’s tech community and digital rights activists will be watching closely. Will other nations follow suit in reining in AI tools that cross ethical lines? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. ✨
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Indonesia temporarily blocks access to Grok over sexualized images
cgtn.com
